Kawasaki W230

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Kawasaki W230
Manufacturer Kawasaki Heavy Industries Motorcycle & Engine Company
Production2025–present
Class Retro-standard
Engine 233 cc, air-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC single-cylinder
Bore / stroke 67.0 × 66.0 mm
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Top speed121–129 km/h (75–80 mph) (est.)
Power 17 hp (12.7 kW) @ 7,500 rpm (claimed)
Torque 19 N·m (14 lb⋅ft) @ 5,800 rpm (claimed)
Transmission 6-speed, chain final drive
Frame type Semi-double cradle steel
Suspension 37 mm telescopic fork (front); dual shocks, preload-adjustable (rear)
Brakes Disc front and rear, dual-channel ABS
Tires 90/90-18 (front), 110/90-17 (rear)
Wheelbase 1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Seat height745 mm (29.3 in)
Weight133 kg (293 lb) (dry)
Fuel capacity12 L (3.1–3.2 US gal)

The Kawasaki W230 is a retro-standard motorcycle introduced by Kawasaki for the 2025 model year. It is the smallest model in the Kawasaki W series, positioned below the W800. The motorcycle combines styling elements from earlier W-series models, such as the 1965 Kawasaki 650-W1, with a modern single-cylinder engine and contemporary safety equipment. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

Development

Kawasaki positioned the W230 as an entry-level model in the W series. Its engine is derived from the 233 cc unit used in the Kawasaki KLX230 dual-sport motorcycle, but modified with changes to crankshaft inertia, camshaft profiles, and exhaust tuning for road use and to resemble the character of earlier W-series models. [4] [5]

Design and styling

The motorcycle incorporates styling elements from earlier W models, including a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, wire-spoked wheels, fork gaiters, and chrome fenders. It is equipped with a round headlamp, dual analogue instruments, and a one-piece saddle. Modern additions include LED lighting and an LCD display providing trip and fuel information. [6] [7]

Technical specifications

Kawasaki W230 specifications
SpecificationDetails
Engine233 cc, air-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC single-cylinder
Bore × Stroke67.0 × 66.0 mm
Compression ratio9.0:1
Claimed power17 hp (12.7 kW) @ 7,500 rpm
Claimed torque19 N·m (14 lb⋅ft) @ 5,800 rpm
Transmission6-speed, chain final drive, positive neutral finder
FrameSemi-double cradle steel
Suspension37 mm telescopic fork (front); dual shocks with preload adjustment (rear)
BrakesSingle 265 mm disc (front), 220 mm disc (rear), both with ABS
Wheels/tyres18 in front (90/90-18), 17 in rear (110/90-17), wire-spoked
Wheelbase1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Seat height745 mm (29.3 in)
Ground clearance150 mm (5.9 in)
Curb weight143 kg (315 lb) (with fluids)
Fuel capacity12 L (3.1–3.2 US gal)

Equipment and features

The W230 includes chrome exhausts, rubber fork gaiters, painted steel mudguards, and a multifunction display integrated into the twin analogue dials. Launch colour options were Metallic Ocean Blue/Ebony in North America and Europe, Spark Black in Japan, and Matte Green in parts of Asia. [8] [9]

Reception

Press coverage noted the W230's low seat height, light handling, and resemblance to earlier W-series motorcycles. Reviews also observed its modest power output and relatively higher pricing compared with competitors in the entry-level retro motorcycle segment, including the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Benelli Imperiale 400. [10] [11]

Model history

Model history
YearNotes
2025Launch of the W230 as the entry-level model in the W series

See also

References

  1. ↑ Mody, Rishaad. "Kawasaki W230 launched overseas". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  2. ↑ Williams, Don (2024-10-02). "2025 Kawasaki W230 First Look [6 Retro-Styled Fast Facts]". Ultimate Motorcycling. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  3. ↑ "Kawasaki W230 might come to India". www.topgearmag.in. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  4. ↑ "Kawasaki W230 unveiled globally. Will it come to India?". HT Auto. 2024-10-04. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  5. ↑ Chung, Dennis (2024-10-02). "2025 Kawasaki W230 – First Look". Motorcycle.com. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  6. ↑ "Kawasaki W230 launched overseas". Autocar Professional. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  7. ↑ Jouhari, Vedant (2024-10-04). "Kawasaki W230 Launches Internationally: A Look At Specifications And More". www.drivespark.com. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  8. ↑ Ackodrive, Team (2024-10-03). "Kawasaki Meguro S1 Launched In Thailand". AckoDrive. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  9. ↑ "New 2025 Kawasaki W230 ABS Specs and Price". Cycle News. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  10. ↑ Cherney, Andrew (October 2, 2024). "2025 Kawasaki W230 First Look". Cycle World. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  11. ↑ Sharma, Punya (2024-10-02). "Kawasaki's Answer For The Royal Enfield Classic 350 Has Entered America". TopSpeed. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
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